Separation of the abdominal muscles in the midline is a common occurrence after some pregnancies, or after many years of abdominal training with poor technique, and is called diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA). The most obvious visible change during pregnancy is the expansion of the abdominal wall and while most abdomens accommodate this stretch very well, others are damaged extensively. In some, this can prevent optimal function of the core. A physiotherapist can perform a complete assessment of your abdominal wall function (that includes ultrasound imaging) and can help you progress in your exercise program, regain pain-free function, and regain urinary continence. In some cases, physiotherapy can help, but surgery may still be required. We can help you determine if surgery is required for you if you have a DRA.

Place ½ cup of roasted sesame seeds, squeeze ½ lemon, 1t sea salt and ¼ cup olive oil in a food processer. Blend until paste. Add; 5 cloves crushed garlic, ½t cayenne pepper, 2T chili flakes, ½t black pepper, squeeze in the other ½ lemon, and 1 can drained & rinsed organic chickpeas. Blend and slowly add approx. ¼ c water to the consistency. Garish with paprika.

Q: What are blisters? A: Blisters are the accumulation of fluid between the inner and outer layers of the skin. They are rarely a serious concern but can become infected and more problematic if not treated correctly. They are often caused by prolonged friction between your foot, socks, and shoes. A blister should be drained, by sterile technique, as soon as possible. If blisters are excessively painful, persistent, or infected, see your doctor or podiatrist for treatment. Wearing dual-layer or blister-free socks will minimize friction and moisture, and help keep you less susceptible to blister formation. Neoprene insoles may also help reduce friction.

Q: I take daily medication for my diabetes. However, the medication does not decrease my blood sugar levels. Can acupuncture treat this? A: Yes, acupuncture can supplement diabetes medication. In Chinese medical views, diabetes is a result of a weakened digestive system. Upon proper diagnosis, practitioners can use acupuncture to balance out the meridians, and the blood sugar levels will naturally drop, sometimes from one treatment alone. Acupuncturists use thin, short needles of ~1.3 cm that are painless, yet effective. Regular follow-up appointments can result in a better maintained morning fasting blood glucose.

Getting in a last camping trip with your pet? Don’t forget how warm the interior of the vehicle can get on sunny days. It’s important to keep your pet’s temperature at a comfortable level. At the campground, control your pet so there are no dangers from dogfights or from wildlife attacks by keeping it leashed or tethered. Prevent getting into food temptations that may lead to burns from fires or spills with hot liquids. Also avoid feeding scraps to pets, which may upset their stomachs. Finally, make sure your pet is tick protected if travelling through the brush.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is commonly seen in sports such as soccer, rugby, and skiing. Although many individuals initially recover well, the ongoing instability often prevents return to sports and leads to further knee injury, and the risk of developing future osteoarthritis becomes increased. Bracing is rarely sufficient. Surgical reconstruction performed early, within 3-6 weeks, helps to minimize the risk of further injury. ACL surgery should be treated as an urgent matter: assessment, diagnosis, and surgery can usually be completed within a few weeks. The athlete, elite, or weekend-warrior can then start early rehabilitation to maximize the benefits of the knee reconstruction.

Research has shown that motion is so critical to our body’s health that a lack of motion has a detrimental effect on everything from digestion to our emotional state, immune function, our ability to concentrate, how well we sleep, and even to how long we live. If your lifestyle does not include enough motion, your body cannot function efficiently. You may suffer from a wide variety of physical ailments, ranging from headaches to high blood pressure; you may experience reduced energy levels and the lack of ability to mentally focus; and because you have less energy, your activity level may drop off even further over time.

Being in a car accident (MVA) can be a severe and life-altering event. Although many people do make a full recovery shortly after their accident, others experience pain and psychological difficulties that endure longer. This may include: experiencing feelings of anxiety; feeling “on-edge” when driving; flashbacks and nightmares of the accident; or even an overall feeling of helplessness of ever feeling “normal” again. Counselling, specifically Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), has shown to be effective to help individuals overcome the trauma of an MVA.

Parents can ensure a student is starting the school year off right by talking to their child before school begins about their expectations for the year. Encouraging students to visualize what success will look like once they are back in school can also help. Once the school year has started, taking the time to meet with the teacher shows your child that you have created a connection with their teacher, which can help anxious students feel safer. If students with learning difficulties begin to struggle, it can be worth looking into the root of the problem, as well as discussing options with their teacher.

Women face financial issues that men do not, such as the gender wage gap and gender tax (paying more for the same services). For that reason, being in control of one’s finances is especially important for women to secure their future. It is important to make sure your will is up to date, have your own bank account and credit history, know where your important documents are kept, have long-term savings as well as short-term emergency savings, and have appropriate insurance coverage. These proactive steps will help insure there is less to worry about when it comes to your finances.

Studies have shown that low levels of serotonin are often linked to depression in individuals, and that these lowered levels can be caused by factors such as genetics, as well as a person’s environment, which may include physical and emotional trauma. Laser acupuncture can stimulate the release and synthesis of serotonin, using cold non-invasive lasers, as well as the release of endorphins, both of which can improve emotional wellbeing. Laser therapy can be used as part of a treatment program for depression that may also include physician-prescribed medication and/or psychotherapy, to offer a comprehensive process for recovery.